Unlike his contemporary fiction, Dean Koontz writes this story from a historical viewpoint. The story’s timeframe begins in 1930 and continues through most of the 1930s decade and into the early days of World War II.
Alida is born with an oddity and her family rejects her, selling her, as a very small child, to the owner of a traveling carnival. There she is put on display in the sideshow of the “Museum of the Strange”. Her only recourse to ignoring people staring at her all day was to lose herself in books.
After years with the carnival, the owner, Forest Farnam, sells out and moves his best ‘oddity’, Alida, to the speakeasies circuit.
Adida has resigned herself to this lonely life of being exploited as she doesn’t know there could be more to life for her. Then she is rescued by two compassionate strangers, Franklin and Loretta Fairchild.
The Fairchild’s are movie makers who do well for themselves due to people needing movies as an escape in this Depression-era time. They see Alida as a gifted and extremely well-read girl in need of a loving touch and a family. Alida finds the love and family she has always dreamed about, but never thought she would find, with this loving couple and their three very precocious and imaginative children.
Despite everyone in the family being very generous and accepting, Alida knows she is still a very different kind of girl. She begins having dreams that are unsettling to say the least, and often feel threatening. She fears these vivid dreams are also warnings and she feels that it is the Fairchilds who may need rescuing.
Alida will do anything to keep her newfound family safe. How she goes about this gives us an ending that is definitely Koontz!
Synopsis
This is an historical novel that will give you a look at life in 1930s America from a different perspective. It also gives you a story about an unusual girl who discovers her mysterious purpose in life surrounding family, sacrifice and love.
*Book Review of “The Friend of the Family” was written by Dean Koontz
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I was extremely surprised when our baby dog chewed the ends off of two of
my charging cords. He was not even left alone, but he was being quiet
as a little mouse. We had no idea he was chewing on cords that were
plugged into the wall, but not being used at that moment. None of our
other dogs have ever chewed on any cords so I was not properly prepared for
our baby dog. However, I am now!
I promptly went to Amazon to find a way to cover and hide all of my
charging cords, as well as the power strip. I was thrilled to realize
I was not alone. Clearly, other people have needed a way to hide away
cords that were plugged into the wall. I am sure some elected to hide
the cords for aesthetics, but for me, that was a side benefit to hiding the
cords.
The storage box I chose has a magnetic closure that holds the lid down, but
is easy for me to open and close. It also has an opening on both sides
and across the back for cooling and pulling the cords through when in
use. At night, I do wrap all of the cords up, put them in the box and
turn off the power strip so the Midnight Marauder, aka our baby dog, does not have access to the power strip or any cords. Much safer and less
stressful than leaving them in plain sight for "testing".
As I noted earlier, there is an opening on either side for the cords when they are in use, but the power strip and plugs are always hidden inside the box. There is also a long opening along the back of the box for cooling, which is imperative.
Another side benefit to the box is that is keeps dust off of the power strip and plugs.
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We enjoy our backyard fire pit every year and make lasting memories with all of the fun. Our Rome cast iron pie irons have been part of that fun for as long as I can remember.
What is a pie iron? A pie iron is a handy cooking tool that turns an ordinary campfire into an opportunity to make delicious hot sandwiches, called mountain pies, or, as some people know them, hobo pies or pudgie pies.
The classic Rome Square pie iron is designed to accommodate a generous portion of bread and fillings, allowing you to make any kind of delicious hot sandwich. One of our favorites is the pizza mountain pie. Find out how we make the pizza mountain pie here in one of my posts, Mountain Pies.
Rome also offers round and double models, giving you several options depending on what you want to cook. Our pie irons are the classic square designs.
You can make hot sandwiches, savory meals, and sweet desserts with your pie irons. Another favorite of mine is apple pie filling with cheddar cheese.
If you enjoy camping or spending time around a backyard campfire pit, Rome pie irons are worth considering. Once you start experimenting with different fillings and recipes, you will be looking forward to your next campfire.
After every campfire, I wash my pie irons with soap and water and thoroughly dry them. Then, I coat and rub them with vegetable oil on the inside and out to make them ready for the next campfire.
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The phrase, I teach tiny humans, seems to have become quite popular. It seems to have come about from the description of teachers teaching young children. You can find this phrase on a variety of products, in a variety of styles, on Zazzle.
Some products will specify what subject is being taught, others just have the general statement.
I decided to go with my pointillism apple as the background, and chose to go with the general statement. The statement, though, can be customized.
I liked going with the pointillism apple; not only is it artistic, but I remember being taught about pointillism in school. It was a special kind of art.
The first product that I added this statement to is window clings. As of the date of my writing this post, window clings has received on review on Zazzle, a 5 out of 5 stars. The customer said it sticks well and there was no bleed in the printing.
On this product, I added two rows of text, with a shadow text in light green, behind the top highlight text in yellow. The text can be customized; be sure to customize both text fields, and to make them the same. One can also be deleted if you don't want a shadow text.
The window cling comes in a choice of five sizes ranging from 4 x 4 inches to 24 x 24 inches. You can also choose from an opaque look to various levels of transparency.
Tshirts seem to be a popular gift for teachers as well. On the tshirt, I chose to make the letters white without any shadow look. I think it looks cute on white tshirts, though any color can be chosen, as well as different tshirt styles and or fabric type. Sizes to choose from for this tshirt style are Small, Medium, Large, XL, and 2XL. Different tshirt styles can come in different size options.
Mugs are also real popular for teacher gifts. The teacher can used it for their coffee or to store pencils, markers, and such on their desk. It has the same artistic design as the tshirt, with the white on the pointillism apple. As far as mug styles to choose from, there are a variety of styles and color options, and sizes to choose from too.
I have purchased both tshirts and mugs from Zazzle at various times, and have been pleased with the print quality from both. I would recommend both.
Do you have a favorite? Do you teach young children, or know any teachers that do?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing this with anyone who would be interested in these.
Cheryl Paton
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If you have considered having a ham radio for one of the many reasons that it is good to have a radio, but are worried about the process of becoming licensed, I have a helpful recommendation. I just passed my Techinician Class exam and probably only passed because of HamRadioPrep; an excellent study resource.
Resources for Preparing to take the Ham Radio Licensing Exams
There are free amateur radio study sites online. And I half-heartedly began with those. But people (who are already licensed) kept recommending HamRadioPrep.com So I unpinched some pennies and paid for the courses. I'm so glad I did!
Maybe I should start with what ham radio is. A search on the internet shows an AI description as:
"Ham Radio (amature radio) is a two-way communication device used by trained hobbyists to talk across town, around the world, or into space without using cell towers or the internet."
When I was young, I can vaguely recall an uncle who very much enjoyed using his radio to speak with people across the world. And as an adult, I have had friends who have used ham radio for communication when natural disasters have knocked out communication. I also enjoyed when I had a CB radio in my Jeep. I have had vague thoughts about getting a license but never felt like following through until now.
HamRadioPrep in an online site for Ham Radio License classes. There are 3 levels of licensure: Technician, General, and Amature Extra. HamRadioPrep includes the same resources for each of those licenses.
The Ham Radio Prep website chunks the lessons into short sections. Each section provides video and written content. I found it most helpful to watch the video while reading along for the first time through that "chapter". Then I listened to the videos several times if the content was difficult for me. Each chapter provided practice tests that could be repeated however many times I wanted to practice. If I answered the question incorrectly, I was able to click on "explain" and review the information about that single question.
At the end of the lessons, I could take a practice exam on that small amount of information.
I rarely download apps. Every single place of business wants me to download an app and I try to refuse. However, I downloaded this Ham Radio Prep app for easy access to the videos and tests. I found myself listening to the videos while driving and taking practice tests during random spare moments.
If you prefer to learn from printed text books, The Ham Radio Prep License Manual is awesome. A very lovely lady, Julie, is a ham radio operator in Florida. She loaned me her manual. It is laid out in the same lessons and has the practice tests. Also, in the manual, the information you need before you go to a test site is included and easy to understand. Including, how to obtain the necessary information from the FCC before going to the test site.
Personally, I have come to want my amateur radio license because I love listening when my friend is making contacts with people around the world, it's a hobby that I can do at home or in the parks (can't wait to have my own radio when I'm camping), and I like the idea of being prepared and possibly being helpful in a disaster when communication is difficult.
If you have ever considered obtaining an amateur radio license, I highly recommend HamRadioPrep.com At 61 years of age, I wasn't sure that I could learn this new material. These videos, text, and app on my phone made it possible.
Today, I passed my Technician class exam. Wooohooo! If I can do it, so can you.
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I've always enjoyed writing lyrics about life because life gives us an endless supply of stories to tell. Some are happy, some are heartbreaking, and some leave us asking questions we never thought we'd have to answer.
I like exploring all of those different parts of the human experience because no two journeys are ever the same. Sometimes my songs are about family or relationships, sometimes they're about loss or hope, and sometimes they're simply about finding the strength to keep moving forward.
Believe in My Wings came from one of those moments. It grew out of a question I think most of us have quietly asked ourselves at some point: When life gets difficult, will I be able to rise above it?
A Simple Thought That Grew Into a Story
The idea for this song began with a familiar metaphor about a bird trusting its wings instead of the branch beneath it. That image has appeared in many different forms over the years, yet its meaning has always remained powerful. Rather than writing about the saying itself, I wanted to explore what it represents on a deeper level. I wanted to imagine what that quiet confidence might look like if it became a story instead of a quotation.
Nature has a way of teaching us lessons without ever speaking a word. We can watch a bird settle onto a branch, and while we'll never truly know what it experiences, we can observe something remarkable. It doesn't appear consumed by the possibility that the branch might fail. It rests when it needs to rest, and when the time comes, it spreads its wings and flies. That simple picture has stayed with me because it reminds me how often fear encourages us to focus on what could collapse beneath us, while courage asks us to remember the strength we already possess.
Life gives each of us our own version of an unsteady branch. It might be the loss of someone we love, a health challenge, financial uncertainty, disappointment, loneliness, anxiety, or simply stepping into a future that feels completely unknown. None of us can predict every storm that will come our way. What we can choose is how we respond when those moments arrive.
Finding the Wings Within Ourselves
That became the heart of Believe in My Wings. For me, it's a song about the balance between fear and faith. There isn't one survival path that fits everyone; however, just the belief that we can overcome can help pave the road to getting there. Sometimes resilience grows through experience. Sometimes it comes from the encouragement of those who believe in us. Sometimes it appears so quietly that we don't even realize how strong we've become until we look back.
As I wrote the lyrics, I kept returning to the same thought. Every verse and every chorus seemed to ask the same question: Do I stay frozen by the storm, or do I trust that I have what it takes to move through it? That question isn't limited to one situation. It belongs to anyone facing uncertainty, whether the challenge is visible to the world or carried silently inside.
Perhaps that's why this song became so meaningful to me while I was writing it. It reminded me that our circumstances are only one part of the story. They may shake us, test us, or force us to rethink the path ahead, but they don't define what we're capable of becoming.
The branch beneath us may change without warning, but our greatest source of strength has never been the branch itself. It has always been the wings we carry within us, waiting for the moment we decide to trust them.
Thank you for listening; I really appreciate it.
*********
"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**
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There is a legendary highway in the United States known as the “Mother Road”. It was established in 1926 and stretches 2,448 miles from its beginning in Chicago, Illinois to its end at the Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. This iconic highway is best known as “Route 66”.
This highway was built to serve as a primary route for westward migration and tourism. While officially decommissioned in 1985, its popularity continues as a popular route for tourists and visitors.
Now, in 2026, we are celebrating the route’s Centennial, with events and celebrations occurring throughout the eight states Route 66 covers. The celebrations include local town festivals, museum exhibitions and many other events.
This page is the beginning, with the middle and the end to follow in subsequent pages.
Route 66 Centennial - The Beginning
Illinois, Missouri, Kansas
Driving the first three states of Historic Route 66 takes you from the bustling streets of Chicago through the rolling Ozarks of Missouri, and into the brief but beautifully preserved vintage stretch of Kansas.
The original beginning of Route 66 was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, right by Grant Park. Now, in 2026, the Centennial celebration for Route 66 has designated the Navy Pier as Chicago’s Pier-to-Pier Start, a symbolic launch point for Route 66's 100th anniversary. The extension creates a scenic "pier-to-pier" journey linking Lake Michigan directly to California's Santa Monica Pier.
ILLINOIS - 301 Miles - Historic Points
Iconic restaurant on Route 66
Illinois has many points of interest along Route 66. They include the historic Old Log Cabin Inn in Pontiac, which is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants on the Mother Road.
Pontiac also has the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum which features classic cars, memorabilia, and the largest collection of Route 66 artifacts in the country. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Gemini Giant at Wilmington, IL is a famous 30-foot-tall fiberglass "Muffler Man" in a space suit, a much photographed statue on the road.
Springfield, Illinois has the Shea’s Gas Station Museum, offering a massive collection of vintage neon signs and petroliana.
Classic highway memorabilia, along with old VW bugs, can be seen at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch (along with real rabbits!).
MISSOURI - 317 Miles - Iconic Points on Route 66
Chain of Rocks Bridge
Historic Route 66 leaves Illinois and enters Missouri by crossing the Mississippi River. The iconic crossing for the Mother Road is the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which connects Madison, Illinois, directly to the northern edge of St. Louis, Missouri.
Residents of St. Louis, Missouri regularly travel along portions of Route 66 in their daily commutes as it passes through the city.
Missouri has often been called the "Birthplace of Route 66" because its official name was conceived in Springfield in 1926. There are multiple places to visit along this iconic highway, including the historic Ozark attractions,the Meramec Caverns in Stanton and the Wagon wheel Motel in Cuba, MO, which is the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66.
KANSAS - 13 Miles - Short, But With Much to See
Eisler's in Riverton, Kansas
Kansas has just a tiny portion of Route 66, just 13 miles long ~ the shortest route of the eight states. It stretches across the SE corner of Cherokee County. While short, there is a must-see stop in Galena where you will find a restored 1923 Kan-O-Tex service station featuring the International Harvester boom truck that inspired the character "Mater" from Disney's Cars.
You can also stop by the Old Riverton Store (established in 1925), known as one of the longest continuously operating grocery stores on the entire route, or check out the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum to dive into local history and outlaw lore.
Summary
From The Navy Pier (beginning) in Chicago, Route 66 travels through Illinois, Missouri and a short stretch of Kansas. Continue your journey along “The Main Street of America” with the links below.
Related Links:
Celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 - The Middle Part
The End-of-the-Road on Route 66
*Part 1 of the Route 66 Centennial story was written and compiled by Wednesday Elf (July, 2026)
Travel Guides to Route 66 in Illinois, Missouri & Kansas:
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I had not previously planned an update to my home office area, but after my
sweet baby dog, Watson, discovered my electronics chargers, it became
necessary. He only chewed the ends off of two chargers, but I didn't
wish to see that activity continued or encouraged by danging cords.
Two home office furniture purchases were immediately made, in addition to
the replacement charging cords. I bought a new cabinet to hold all of
my business papers, organizers, planners, office supplies and of course,
chargers. Plus, I purchased a box for my power strip and chargers
(reviewed separately).
This turned out to be a fabulous change! I had not realized how
"messy" my work area shelves looked to anyone else with my file trays and
books visible. Once I put them all inside the cabinet, I was amazed at
how much better my work area looked. It really is a tremendous
improvement. I can thank Watson for helping me realize a change was
needed and I can thank God that baby dog was not electrocuted helping me
out.
Now, I await the "Midnight Marauder's" aka Watson's next
discovery!
Because my open shelves were conveniently located right next to my chair, I
sought a cabinet with sliding doors and interior shelves. I selected
the 32" slim cabinet because of the width of the wall next to my
chair. It fit my area perfectly. Plus, it is quite
attractive. Much nicer than open shelves!
This cabinet would be pretty anywhere in a home. It would be a great cabinet in the kitchen, dining room, den, or hallway. Wherever you need extra storage. I love the sliding doors because they don't require extra area to open out.
It arrived well packaged with protective styrofoam on the ends and thin packing sheets separating the pieces so they did not rub against each other. It took approximately 30 minutes to assemble.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
